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How to STS Relay

Reaching the STS Relay Service

There are several numbers that you can dial to reach the STS Relay Service when calling from California.  Here is a list that you can dial or program into your telephone:

  1.  711. Dialing this number will connect you to one of two California Relay Service providers. Once the CA comes on the line, you can say, for example, “I want to use Speech-to-Speech” and the CA will transfer your call to a specially trained STS CA.
  2. (800) 854-7784.  Dialing this number will connect you directly to a specially trained California STS CA at either AT&T or Hamilton.
  3. (866) 988-4288.  Dialing this number will connect you directly to an AT&T specially trained English-speaking STS CA.
  4. (866) 288-7504. Dialing this number will connect you directly to an AT&T specially trained Spanish-speaking STS CA.
  5. 7-1-1 Choice Form (Preferred Method).  You also have the option of designating which California Relay Service provider you want to handle all of your 711 Speech-to-Speech calls by completing a 711 Choice Form.  On this form you can select which provider (AT&T or Hamilton) you prefer to handle all your 711 calls from your registered telephone number.  You can also select “Speech-to-Speech” as your preferred communication mode and your preferred language (English or Spanish).

Filling out a 711 Choice Form will ensure your 711 call gets sent to the provider you choose and is answered by specially trained STS CAs in the language you prefer.

 

Step by Step Instructions on STS Relay

  1. Dial 711 or one of the other numbers listed above to reach a specially trained STS CA.
  2. You will hear “California Relay Speech to Speech by AT&T CA XXXX. May I have the number you are calling please?”
  3. Give the CA the area code and telephone number of the person you wish to call.
  4. Choose the role that you want the Communications Assistant to take in your call (see below).
  5. For example you can tell the Communications Assistant to:
  6. “Repeat everything I say” (or Active Role)
  7. “Repeat only if I am not understood” (or Passive Role)
  8. “Leave the following message on the called party’s answering machine” or you can dictate a “First Thought” which will establish the context at the beginning of the call.
  9. If you know you are calling an automated system that requires you to select from a number of options, let the CA know which options you would like before the call is placed.
  10. The Communications Assistant will dial your call. You will be able to hear the line ringing and everything the person you have called says once the call is answered.
  11. Speak directly to the person you have called. The Communications Assistant will repeat your conversation for you as you previously requested.
  12. The Communications Assistant will disconnect the call when you are finished. The Communications Assistant will ask you if you wish to make another call, and you can let them know.

These are the basic steps for placing a STS call. However, there are many things that you can do to personalize your STS call and simplify the call set up.  Click here to learn about personalizing your STS calls.